Claude has spoken with Earl Campbell however he hasn't spoken a word of the encounter to Sebastian. The gala has just begun and the guests are in aw as they enter a world carefully crafted by Alex. Rin is intimidated by the sight of the three standing together however Claude does the unexpected; he offers to waltz with her.

Sebastian is about to meet with Sterling when he catches a glimpse of long silver hair and dark skin. He immediately chases after the woman.

Claude has gone to look for him and comes across a cloaked figure in white.

What on earth has Claude been hiding?

Why is Hannah even there?

What does Hannah really want?

Who is the cloaked figure?

I hope you enjoy,

~The Dark Ringmaster

I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

Chapter 34: The Waltz

The house was packed as guests swarmed in, there were people from every nation and social class. From actors and actresses to nobility of nearly every level the socialites poured in. Each of the guests wore beautiful gowns and masks, with the proviso that tonight there were no social boundaries, you could be who ever you wanted. Among them was Arnold Sterling who naturally was walking around with a cocktail glass between his fingers. "It's a spectacular event," commented a young woman and her partner nodded. The chandelier was pristinely polished and ever crystal glistened, silks hung from the ceiling and the room was covered with flowers. The chamber was off to the left and the guest enjoyed a number of cocktails. The dresses whispered as women moved and the men's shoes clicked against the polished marble. Rin stared as the guests commented on the layout and the theme, it was apparent that England hadn't seen a masque in a long time. "She really is good at what she does," she whispered, everything was perfect and it was as if it had been taken out of a fairy tale. She sighed and looked over at Claude and Sebastian who had caused quite a commotion; they looked beyond divine standing side by side.

Sebastian's slender figure which was accented by how well his pants hand been tailored while Claude's muscular body was beyond expectations. Sebastian's crimson eyes were a devilish as usual and he moved as if he was a dancer. Claude had a presence which made all the women in the room stare, "She is right, women don't stand a chance when they stand next to you two," she whispered. Rin turned around to find Alex walking through the crowed, the guests seemed to stop and stare as she walked by and Rin didn't blame them. That midnight blue dress was the perfect color; it made her ocean blues look more like sapphires, her beautiful figure was on display for all to see. From her rather large bust to slender waste, Rin's eyes looked over them and she paused at her lips which seemed even fuller. Sebastian and Claude walked behind her and stood to either side, Rin felt her breath catch. It was as if she had two suitors who would do absolutely anything for her. "You really have no idea how stunning you are," she whispered. Alex turned to Rin and smiled, Rin took that as her cue to walk over. Her heart was pounding and she noticed a man in a pair of tails stand off to the side of Claude. The group of attractive people in the middle of the room seemed to electrify the crowd. "Who is this?" asked Rin once she managed to join the group; she could feel the eyes of the guests boring into her back.

"This is Uzu the Japanese pianist," she responded and gestured to him. He bowed deeply and said, "It's a pleasure to be here." Rin blushed and noticed how handsome he was, his black hair was spiked in every direction and his eyes seemed to be an emerald green. It was hard to believe he was all Japanese. He had long fingers and was rather tall, however not as tall as Claude. The Chamber orchestra started to play a waltz and the guests cleared the floor as the Earl and Lady took the floor. The ear was dressed in a traditional tuxedo while Lady Campbell was in a flowing white gown, her silver hair was pulled back and Alex watched as the pair started their turns. Their form was perfect and Claude offered his hand to Rin, "May I?" he asked as he bowed. Rin slowly placed her hand in his white gloved one and Alex watched as they joined the Earl and Lady. She smiled a little and whispered, "I wish I could dance." Sebastian leaned over and whispered to her, "It's never too late to learn, just fallow me," he whispered. Alex looked up at him and stared in confusion, "What?" she asked. He smirked and replied sweetly, "Tonight is a masque you can be whomever you wish." Sebastian stood before her and bowed deeply as he offered her his hand. Alex heard the mumbles spread through the crowd as she slowly slipped her black gloved hand into his. He looked up at her and gently guided her to the floor. "Place your hand between my shoulder blades and rest the other in my hand," he whispered before starting the turns. She felt as though she was floating and Sebastian leaned back slightly. His steps were so smooth he seemed to glide across the floor. "Now for a little skip," he instructed and the pair bounced slightly as they returned to the natural turn. She smiled happily as Sebastian stopped and spun her gently, before returning to their original movement. Sebastian looked at her and whispered, "See it's not that hard," as he lifted her for a stop. She snickered and continued, the music became much more dramatic. She was completely lost in the pace Sebastian had set and found herself enjoying every minute of his attention. There was applause as Sebastian dipped her backward and then pulled her in. As if by instinct all the dancers, one by one only seconds apart they spun their partners around them and started to do a natural turn again.

Rin was blushing as she felt Claude's large hand on her back and he lead her across the floor. Their styles varied greatly, Sebastian moved with the elegance of a court noble where as Claude moved like a ballerina. His toes were pointed and he moved with an air of grace. Rin's honey colored eyes looked into Claude's golden ones and she noticed how much he was simply enjoying the dance, they paused and she walked around him before returning to their original hold. His eyes never left hers for a second as he lifted her for a stomp, the music was coming to a pause and Claude whispered, "You and Alex will eclipse each other, do a small spin as you go to Sebastian." Rin nodded with excitement, as if by magic the pair spun the two out and Rin felt as though she was gliding across the floor. She looked over and noticed how at the precise moment the pair did a small spin as they passed each other which earned a small amount of applause. She instinctively bowed to Sebastian who accepted her with a kiss to her hand, which inevitably made her blush. Sebastian's slender fingers held her hand lightly and they pair began their natural turn.

Alex stared as Claude kissed her hand and began to lead her. Even though Claude was taller his style mirrored ballet as he danced. It was just as graceful but he was much more aware of where his hands were. He lifted her gently for another stomp and as she spun she noticed how he pointed his toes. "You really are a graceful spider," Alex commented. Claude was grinning as they passed by Rin and Sebastian. "Thank you," he replied as he glided across the floor. She was lost in his pace and Sebastian looked over her shoulder at Sebastian who was smiling. Claude was beaming, "Why are you so happy?" asked Alex curiously, she had seen him happy before but never this level, in fact Claude looked like he was actually enjoying himself. "I'm dancing with a beautiful woman at an extravagant ball and it feels as though I've returned to the height of the Russian Empire, why shouldn't I be happy?" he asked. The music became broader and Claude's movements were expatriated before returning to a sweet and gentle pace. They were skipping again and his movements were small and delicate. His lips were curled in a grin and she felt his warm hand on her back, "Russia?" she asked and Claude nodded. She was confused for a moment, she figured Claude was from Eastern Europe however she had no idea he was from there. The piece returned to its original melody and they began their natural turns again, "You're mind is else where," whispered Claude, his deep voice snapped her back to the present. She jumped a little and noticed how happy Claude was, "Don't think just fallow me, I'll never lead you astray," he whispered with a hint of encouragement. Alex smiled and replied, "Always." They spun for a final time before the music came to an end and Claude bowed to Alex who returned his gesture with a delicate curtsy. Claude lead her off the floor and bowed. Rin was clearly lost in awe over the fact that sh not only danced with Claude but also Sebastian. The Earl and Lady smiled as they approached, "It's impressive that you two are able to dance such a difficult waltz," said Lady Campbell. Sebastian smiled sweetly and replied, "A man who can't do at least this isn't worth his salt."

Claude grinned and noticed how enchanted Lady Campbell became, "I see," she whispered. Sebastian was smirking and looked at Claude which seemed to annoy him, Alex noticed the look in Claude's eyes and Alex had a feeling Sebastian wouldn't be able to stand up later thanks to a certain other demon's jealousy. "You also surprised me, I didn't think you would be able to dance," said Lady Campbell as she turned to Alex. Her blue eyes were filled with curiosity and Alex replied honestly, "I'm not that good they are just wonderful leaders." Lady Campbell's hand floated up to cover her lips as she giggled, this was the first time Alex ever heard such a light and sweet sound. "My dear don't worry, you'll get better with practice," she commented. The Earl nodded and looked at his wife, she was glowing and Alex noticed how content he was watching her. Claude looked at them, "I'm off to get a drink for these two wonderful ladies," he said smoothly. Alex watched as Claude spun on his heel and walked away, there was a certain bounce in his step which surprised Alex. The serious Claude was actually enjoying a party, it was almost shocking.

Sebastian smiled and looked at Lady Campbell, "The dress is stunning by the way is it Vallentino?" he asked. The woman nodded and smiled, "I was amazed he would even make a white dress for me," she replied. Sebastian smiled and commented, "You look stunning in it." The Earl nodded and pressed a kiss to his wife's hand, "She certainly does." She blushed and smiled sweetly, Alex could tell it had been a long time since the Earl had seen his wife smile so openly. They really did look like a sweet couple when they stood together. Sebastian was about to say something when he noticed a whisp of long silver hair and the woman turned, behind the mask was a pair of violet eyes. He bowed to Alex and said, "I'm afraid I have to speak with Sterling, he's becconing me." Alex nodded and replied, "I'm going to speak with them a little longer." Sebastian nodded and walked away, Lady Campbell wrapped her arm around Alex's and lead her to a table. The Earl turned and watched as Sebastian walked away and noticed he was going in the opposite direction as where Sterling was. He was fallowing a woman in a violet gown. He sighed and chuckled, it didn't matter who the man was they would inevitably chase a beautiful skirt when they saw one. Even the earl was guilty of that, after all that was how he met his wife. He fallowed the ladies to the table and noticed Claude was returning with a pair of champagne flutes in hand. He was confused for a moment when he noticed Sebastian had left Rin's side. "Where did Mr. Michaelis go?" he asked in confusion.

Sebastian fallowed the woman with silver hair down the hallway and called, "Why did you do it?" The woman turned to him, she was wearing a black mask and she responded, "Simple," she replied coldly as she slipped the mask off, "I could." Sebastian's red eyes narrowed as he watched the mask fall to the floor standing at the end of the hallway was Hannah, her violet eyes were locked on him and there was a smile curling her lips. "You could have killed him, I thought you cared for him," said Sebastian in anger, his voice was elevated which seemed to please Hannah. She laughed coldly and replied, "You honestly thought I liked him?" Sebastian froze and watched as she flipped her silver hair, "I could careless, in fact I loathed him," she said darkly with a grin. Sebastian grit his teeth, she laughed and asked, "You love him so much don't you?" Sebastian stiffened and replied, "Of course." She hummed a little and closed her eyes, "It's sad to say but I'm afraid this will hurt you too," she said and looked at him. Sebastian was shocked by Hannah's animosity toward Claude, she had worked for him for a number of years and yet she said nothing. Never once did she complain, "What do you plan on doing?" he asked after a moment. Hannah grinned darkly and responded, "Making it hurt." Those three words seemed to anger Sebastian even more; it was as if he had been shocked by a current. "Is that why you gave Lucie the Leviathan?" he asked and Hannah didn't reply. All she did was laugh and smile, "Oh dear Sebastian you honestly don't know what's going on do you?" she asked. There was silence and he stared at her, he had been trying to put the pieces together for a long time however none of them seemed to fit correctly. "Such a clever demon and you couldn't figure it out," she chimed, "Pathetic."

Sebastian had enough and was about to attack her when he watched a flash of silver and heard several bangs. Hannah aimed at him with a pair of silver handguns which made Sebastian realize this time around Hannah wasn't going to take it easy on him. He managed to dodge the bullets and slipped out an open window into the garden. He had to keep Hannah away from others at all costs, especially Claude he had no idea what Claude would do if he found Hannah.

Claude noticed Sterling on the other side of the room and handed the glasses to Rin and Alex, "Excuse me," he said softly before bowing and disappearing. Lady Campbell simply waved him away while the Earl's eyes fallowed Claude. Sterling caught a glimpse of Claude and smiled with delight, "And here comes the magnificent lawyer who managed to resolve the Waldon and Fitch suite," he said brightly. The other men looked at Claude as the women gasped and began to gossip. He was standing before Sterling and asked smoothly, "Have you seen Sebastian?" Sterling was taken back and looked slightly confused, "Mr. Michaelis is attending?" he asked. Claude paused and began to wonder why Sterling even asked that, "Yes he is," replied Claude. Sterling looked even more surprised and stated, "I honestly haven't seen him, I saw Alex earlier unless that slender man with the red mask was him." Claude sighed he had forgotten about the part that this was a masque, "Yes that was him." Sterling looked a little shocked and replied brightly, "Well he was running after a wonderful woman, she was in a violet dress with beautiful long silver hair, dark skin and what looked like violet eyes." Claude stiffened, and Sterling continued, "He seemed quite interested in her." There was a hint of laughter and Claude's golden eyes flickered a little. "I apologize I'm just trying to find him, one of his clients wants to see him," said Claude smoothly. Sterling smiled and commented, "I bet that little fox of his certainly is a wonderful designer." Claude was walking away and turned the corner in an attempt to find his lover. Only he didn't see him in the hallway he was greeted by a cloaked figure instead. The figure stood in a long white robe with maroon trim, Claude was still as he attempted to figure out who this person was. "It's been a long time," said a rough voice. Claude stiffened, "You," he whispered. His eyes narrowed and he reached for his silver knives. "Don't even think it Faustus," said the figure, in a flash it was behind him and held him in a head lock. "It's been a long time," he whispered happily. Claude glared and replied, "Clearly not long enough." He threw the figure across the room and Claude entered a defensive stance. "Oh don't be like that," replied the figure in white, as it flew at him again. Claude dodged and jumped out the window, he had to avoid the crowd it would be too much trouble if any humans were to see this.

Alex felt a tingle in her back and she looked over her shoulder, it was the same as when that man had been watching her in the park. Lady Campbell noticed it immediately, "What is it?" she asked. Alex's eyes narrowed as she looked over the people and replied hesitantly, "It's nothing." Rin noticed how Alex started to go pail and realized it was far from being nothing. She had learned from prior experience that when ever she paled like that it meant trouble was around the corner. She was about to ask Alex something when she noticed a shrill voice behind her. It was high pitched and actually hurt her ears. "Oh my that's a wonderful dress, too bad it isn't red," it commented. Alex looked at him and stared she was expecting it's owner to be standing in a flashy red gown only to notice he was standing in a red victorian era coat. "Grell?" she asked hesitantly only to recive a head nod. "William insisted that I look like a man," he pouted.